Helen Lieberman
Feb. 4, 1927-Oct. 23, 2025
Stanford, California
Helen Marie Herbert Lieberman died peacefully at home surrounded by family on October 23, 2025 at the age of 98. Helen was born on February 4, 1927 in Sioux City, Iowa, to Henry and Esther (Dunn) Herbert. Her family later moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where she attended school and graduated from high school.
In January 1946, Helen courageously accepted an opportunity to leave home and move to Washington, D.C. to participate in a college work–study program. She worked first at the Navy Department and later at the Bureau of Standards while taking classes at American University. It was at the Bureau of Standards that she met her future husband, Gerald (“Jerry”) Lieberman.
When Jerry came to Stanford University in 1950 to pursue his Ph.D., Helen soon followed. The couple were married that October, and Helen completed her senior year at Stanford, graduating in 1952. She went on to earn a master’s degree in Education in 1955 and taught English in the Palo Alto Unified School District for several years.
Helen and Jerry were married for 49 years until Jerry passed away in 1999. They raised four children together and were both deeply involved in their children’s education and activities. Helen volunteered for many years in their classrooms and especially loved her time working in the school libraries.
Later, Helen attended San José State University to earn a Special Education Teaching Credential and taught at Lincoln High School and Horace Mann Elementary School, both in the San Jose Unified School District, for nine years.
In retirement, Helen continued to nurture her love of travel, learning, family, and community. She was an avid bridge player, reader, 49er and Stanford football fan, and enjoyed swimming and tennis—playing tennis well into her late 80s. In recent years, she continued to play bridge online with close friends and participate in several book clubs. She particularly enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren during their frequent visits. Helen created a home that was always a welcoming gathering place for family and their friends, including pre- and post- Stanford football game festivities, impromptu multi-generational scotch tastings, and many other get-togethers.
Helen will be remembered for her warmth, “joie de vivre,” intelligence, generosity, and steadfast dedication to family, education, and friendship.
She is survived by her four children: Janet Argyres (Steve), Joanne Lieberman (Geoff Rilling), Michael Lieberman (Susan Hanson), Diana Lieberman (Craig Evans); seven grandchildren: Brian Argyres (Arielle), Scott Argyres (Sofie), Alana Rilling, Ella Lieberman, Joey Lieberman, Eva Lieberman, Jeri Lieberman-Evans; and three great-grandchildren: Hart, Violet, and Rosen Argyres.
A celebration of Helen’s life will be held in March. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the PBS Foundation or to a local PBS station, organizations that Helen supported for many years.
